Research publications

The Library of Parliament’s research publications provide non-partisan, reliable and timely information and analysis on current and emerging issues, legislation and major public policy topics.

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HillNotes

Quick reads on topics of interest to parliamentarians

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HillStudies

In-depth reads on topics of interest to parliamentarians (formerly Background papers and In briefs)

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Legislative summaries

Concise analyses of certain bills before Parliament

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Trade and investment profiles

Fact sheets on Canada’s trade and investment relationship with selected countries and regions

Archived research publications are available in our catalogue.

  1. What is Productivity and Why Does it Matter?

    HillNote
    This HillNote is the first in a series of four publications about productivity. The second in the series presents Canada’s productivity performance compared to other advanced economies. The third analyzes the main potential causes of Canada’s relatively low productivity growth, and the fourth analyzes the principal potential solutions. This first of the series provides successive definitions of the concepts of productivity, labor productivity, and total factor productivity (TFP). Next, it explores the relationship between gross domestic product per capita, labour productivity, and TFP. Finally, it answers the question: why does productivity matter?
    Capital
    Demographic indicators
    Economic conditions
    Economic development
    Economic indicators
    Gross domestic product
    Industrial productivity

  2. Indicators of Economic Well-being in Canada

    HillNote
    This HillNote compares regional differences in GDP per capita and median income to illustrate how these indicators give varying estimates of economic well-being. The comparison highlights how the two indicators can diverge and identifies a gap in which additional measures are needed to assess economic well-being more fully.
    Economic conditions
    Economic indicators
    Gross domestic product
    Income inequality
    Inflation
    Personal income
    Standard of living

  3. Climate Change: Its Impact and Policy Implications

    Background paper
    2019-46-e.pdf (2.34 MB)
    Unprecedented global warming has been observed in recent decades. Around the world, mean air and water temperatures have increased, amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea levels have risen. Canada is no exception: our mean temperature has increased by more than twice the global average temperature. A warming climate will likely have short- and long-term effects on people’s lives. Many aspects of our society are governed to some extent by climate. Here in Canada, climate change is likely to have an impact on human health, human rights, migration, food security, the economy, employment, national security and transportation. Political, social and economic institutions will have no choice but to adapt to the societal disruption brought about by climate change, but they can also find ways to take advantage of new opportunities. That means taking climate change into account in public policy planning.
    Employment and labour
    Health and safety
    Climate change
    Economic conditions
    Food security
    Human rights
    Immigration
    National security
    Policy
    Transport and infrastructure